From Fencing.Net: (By Craig Harkins)Friday, June 25th, was an historic day at the Concetto Lo Bello in Syracuse. Andrea Baldini (pictured, left) donned a blindfold and fenced epee with a practicioner of Italy’s newest niche sport-Scherma per non vedenti. A number of important guests were on hand to witness the bout, including FIS president, Girogio Scarso…(Read the Rest)

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German Olympian Ralf Bissdorf has been living in Singapore and working to grow fencing there and around the world. At the Thailand world cup I attended, he shared with me that he’ll be launching a series of Masters fencing tournaments for prize money and as “experiences” for spectators and fans…

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As an FYI, I will have a similar announcement for a tournament in NYC in November and have already invited Olympic Champions Aldo Montano (Italy) and Zhong Man (China) to compete in a masters tournament for money, PR and several thousand fans to enjoy….
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More on this later, but for now…here is the info out of Singapore!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Singapore, May 14, 2010 – The world’s best fencers, with a total of 6 Olympic medals and over 35 world championship medals between them, have confirmed their attendance in Singapore at the inaugural edition of the Z1 Pro-Fencing World Series. Dubbed “Duel at the Marina”, this glitzy event will be hosted at the newly launched Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort on the evening of July 30th.

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This will be followed by an international fencing gala for the young on July 31st, and supported by a series of workshops and outreach programmes to promote the fencing sport in Singapore. “Set in the newly opened Marina Bay Sands, the first edition of the Z1 Pro-Fencing World Series promises to bring an exciting, never-been-done-before world-class sporting entertainment event that will showcase the best of fencing in the world today,” stated Mr. Wong Toon King, co-founder of Z Fencing, and partner of the Z1 Pro-fencing World Series. “This is a rare opportunity for our young fencers to learn and be inspired from these world champions,” he added.

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Over 2000 fencing enthusiasts and their families, together with Singapore’s leading trail blazers in the corporate and business world as well as top representatives of the diplomatic corps are expected to attend this maiden event.

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Among the fencing giants confirmed are 2008 Beijing Olympic gold and silver medalists in the men’s foil event, Germany’s Benjamin Kleibrink andYuki Ota from Japan, who could be rekindling their fierce duel that wowed audiences at the last Olympic Games. Others include two time Olympic gold medalist Brice Guyart of France, 2009 and reigning world champion Andrea Baldini of Italy, his countryman and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Andrea Cassara, and Peter Joppich of Germany, a three-time world champion.

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The world premier of the Z1 Pro-Fencing Championship “Duel at the Marina” is an exclusive event featuring the world’s top-ranked fencers dueling for a total prize money worth over US$30,000. It aims to grow into a series of top dueling events hosted in some of the most exciting cities in the world on an annual basis.

“This is a unique world-class event that has received resounding support from the world’s top fencers as it serves to promote and develop the world of fencing in a multitude of ways,” commented Ralf Bissdorf, co-founder of Z1 Pro Fencing World Series and a 2000 Sydney Olympic Silver Medalist and world champion from Germany.

Another Italian fencer has a TV commercial. Andrea Baldini for Kappa. The Italians seem to be leading the way in terms of their athletes being known figures in their country’s culture and being utilized in advertising for products.

Special Thanks to twitter friend tetapoli for the heads up on this video!

Andrea Baldini’s suspension from fencing was upheld today by the FIE Tribunal and the sentence of a 6 month suspension verified. This means that Baldini’s suspension was actually concluded in February and he will be able to start fencing on the FIE circuit with the next event. (Read Full Article)